The Birdman, Chris Andersen of the Denver Nuggets, will play in his first game of the season against the Golden State Warriors tonight at Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. Meanwhile, Nuggets guard Chauncey Billipus is a game-time decision.
Andersen, who has been sidelined after off-season knee surgery, might just be the spark the Nuggets have been looking for this season. The defensive minded Birdman, brings an interior presence to the Nuggets who have struggled rebounding both on the offensive and defensive boards. With the 6'10" Birdman the Nuggets also gain an interior shot blocker that alters opposing player's shots.
On returning to the court, Andersen told Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post
I just want to get up and down the court, play some good defense, block some shots. My whole body is sore from practicing, but that's when I play my best basketball - the pain pushes me. I'm anxious to get out there. I haven't had contact and impact from jumping.
Billups was injured in Saturday's 107-103 victory over the New Jersey Nets. Though he returned to that game after fracturing his nose and spraining his wrist, his status for tonight is questionable.
An injury to Billups might be just what the doctor ordered, according to Nate Timmons of Denver Stiffs
Sarcastic Nuggets key to victory: Somebody might want to give Billups a little bump to the noggin tonight, after his nasty fall against the Nets he lit up (for him) the assist column over his 4.7 season average to the tune of 7 dimes.
The Nuggets are led in scoring and rebounding by Carmelo Anthony with 24.4 ppg and 9.2 rpg. Billups leads the team in assists.
The Warriors are led in scoring by Monta Ellis at 25.9 ppg. David Lee leads the team in rebounding at 11.3 and Stephen Curry leads in assists with 5.9 apg.